J.Crew Embraces Diffusion Method

J.Crew has evolved over the years from our high school stop-off for prep sweaters to a mecca of fashion that maintains its all-American DNA. But that's hardly news. In the scope of the fashion industry, J. Crew wares are approachable and affordable, but to an average consumer, its prices lean high when compared to brands like H&M, Banana Republic and Gap. According the The Wall Street Journal, the company has a plan for that—J. Crew Mercantile, a budget-conscious concept.

In November J.Crew registered the trademark J. Crew Mercantile with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, but J. Crew has not confirmed it will utilize the name. However, WSJ sources say that J.Crew is designing a store under that name where the wares will be similar to what is currently found at J.Crew Factory stores without the "outlet" mentality. WSJ goes o nto compare the plan to what J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler enacted while he was at Gap with the opening of Old Navy. The risks exist in J.Crew becoming its own competitor.

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